The Troublesome TMJ
• Doctors of Chiropractic focus on joint misalignments. In the spine, these dysfunctional areas are called vertebral subluxations.
• Misalignment in the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder)
Signs and Symptoms
• Muscle weakness (open, closed, lateral flexion, and translation)
• Pain at TMJ
• Crepitus
• Bruxism
• Inability to open mouth (3 fingers test)
• Inability to close mouth
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Tracking deviations upon opening (first 20 degrees primarily)
• Reoccurring cervical subluxations
• Ocular dysfunction
(Need 3 out of 12 symptoms to justify adjusting the TMJ)
Causes of TMD
• Misaligned Jaw (subluxation)
• Misaligned teeth
• Trauma
• Sleeping position (on your back would be best)
• Over-stuffed pillows
• Reduce cervical curve and stress TMJ
• Recommend flat or soft pillow for TMD sufferers.
• Grinding and Clenching (bruxism)
• Chewing gum, biting nails, sleep time too.
• Poor posture
• Leading cause
• Neck holds up head
• Associated with cervical subluxations, which is why these two dysfunctions typically co-exist and must be addressed.
Biomechanics
• Opening: bilaminar disc glides anterior inferior with condyle of mandible.
• Closing: glides superior posterior.
• Subluxation of TMJ:
• Superior/lateral subluxation initially deviates toward the side involved.
• Anterior/inferior subluxation on the side in which the teeth do not come together.
Advanced Chiropractic Training
• Dr. McRoberts has extensive training in extremities, including the TMJ.
• CCEP (Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner) 100 hours post graduate.
